Griffonia

Griffonia in Pharmacy

The Griffonia is a creeping vine, a creeping vine, which grows up around the trees, reaching a height of 3m. Resembling vaguely the coffee tree, it is easily distinguishable by its oblong leaves, green flowers decorated with black pods and its large green pods. There are currently 4 varieties of Griffonia, however, Griffonia simplicifolia is the most exploited.

In herbal medicine, seeds, bark, stem, roots and leaves can be used, but it is mainly the seed that concentrates the most active ingredients. Thus, its seeds are used for its aphrodisiac, antibiotic properties and for its action against diarrhea, stomach aches and vomiting, while its leaves will serve as treatment for wounds and bladder and kidney problems.

It should be noted that L-5HTP is an amino acid secreted by the human body and transformed into serotonin. The latter, also called happiness hormone, is actually a neurotransmitter in charge of regulating appetite, sleep and mood. Griffonia being one of the few plants to concentrate a good amount of this amino acid, it is thus attributed antidepressant, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, appetite suppressant and hypotensive.